Three area schools named Schools of Promise

Two schools in Richland County and one in Ashland County were recognized by the Ohio Department of Education for maintaining high academic achievement while overcoming obstacles of having a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students.

Mansfield City's Spanish Immersion School and Plymouth High School each were named Schools of Promise for a second year, and Mapleton High School was selected as a School of Promise for the first time.

To qualify as a School of Promise, a school must serve at least 40 percent economically disadvantaged students.

In addition, 80 percent or more of the school's students in grades that took the 2014-15 PARCC and Ohio Graduation Tests must have rated proficient in reading and math for all subgroups of students, which includes economically disadvantaged, limited English proficient, students with disabilities and all racial/ethnic groups.

The school also must earn an Ohio School Report Card grade of A or B on its Annual Measurable Objective, a measure of the school's performance in narrowing performance gaps between student groups. Finally, the school must receive an A or B on student learning progress through the school year and a grade of A or B on high school graduation rate, if it is a high school.

The Ohio Department of Education named 22 Schools of Promise, 14 High Performing Schools of Honor and four High Progress Schools of Honor from around the state.

“Even as expectations rise, these communities continue to beat the odds,” Lonny J. Rivera, interim state superintendent of public instruction, said in a news release. “Students of every background and ability level deserve the opportunity to succeed, and I’m especially proud of the difference these schools are making in the lives of Ohio’s students.”